YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea -- The state of Alabama's National Guard answered the call to serve and support their fellow Servicemembers during Key Resolve 2012.
The Alabama National Guard team put their cooking skills to great use during the two-week exercise in Yongsan.
"We are filled in whenever we're needed to lighten the burden of the Servicemembers," said Spc. Charlotte Sanders from National Guard's 778th Maintenance Company in Jackson, Ala. "Back home, we don't cook for as many Servicemembers as they do here. I prepared meals for only about 50 Servicemembers in my unit, but here there is no comparison. I haven't seen so much food be prepared for a long time."
The exercise provided the cooks opportunities to adapt and work in unique situations. The training taught the National Guard Soldiers to cooperate with civilian staff, Servicemembers of different ranks and branches of the military, and keep up with different operational tempo.
"It gives me satisfaction to know that I'm doing something very important for the military, especially here in Yongsan," Sanders said. "Preparing meals to feed the Servicemembers in order for them to be completely sufficient and effective in their jobs is something I'm very proud of doing."
After the Alabama National Guards cooks finished serving the last lunch meal at the conclusion of the exercise, Command Sgt. Maj. John Justis, garrison command sergeant major for USAG Yongsan visited Honor's Café to thank them for their support. He presented each member with his coin and assured them an equally warm welcome on their next visit to Korea.
"We are very proud of our cooks from Alabama," said Master Sgt. Ivy Campbell from 167th Theater Sustainment Command, Alabama National Guard. "It's a great chance to come over, practice, and take the talents back to their home unit in the States. Then they can pass on, help, teach and improve the quality of food for troops."
As the nation's oldest military branch, the National Guard is always ready to mobilize to respond to domestic and overseas services, emergencies, missions, and more, while serving Community, state and country. It typically provides training one weekend a month and two weeks a year.
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